Troop 24 was fortunate to be chosen by lottery to attend a Seabase program during June of 2010. You should have already received this information via e-mail, but because our deadline for reservations for Seabase is very tight (next week!) we are sending this again. As of March 4, seven scouts and three leaders were already registered; we can take a maximum of 18 scouts.

Background
BSA operates three High Adventure programs: Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, Northern Tier in the Boundary Waters canoe region, and Sea Base in the Florida Keys. The demand for these programs exceeds the number of available openings so troops enter a lottery for reservations. Each program conducts their lottery at a different time and the Sea Base lottery for 2010 just ended. Troop 24 entered the lottery and was fortunate to be selected.

Eligibility
ALL BOYS MUST BE 13 YEARS OLD BY SEPTEMBER 1, 2009. This is a National BSA policy and there are no exceptions. If your son will not be 13 years old by September 1, 2009, he is not eligible and can not attend. If your son will be over 18, he can still attend but as an adult leader.

Outing
Troop 24 has been selected to attend the Coral Reef Sailing adventure beginning Monday, 28 June, 2010, and ending Sunday, July 4, 2010.

From the Sea Base brochure:
Your home for a week will be on a large sailing vessel over 41-feet long. During the odyssey you will be sailing the Florida Keys and have the opportunity to snorkel many reef areas, including Looe Key, one of the most beautiful reefs in the Keys and part of the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary. During your voyage you will have the opportunity to study astronomy, navigation, fish identification and coral reef ecology.

We have the option to send up to three crews. A crew consists of two adults (over 18 with at least one adult over 21) and four to six boys. We will need six adults and a minimum of twelve boys (maximum of 18 boys) for three crews. If we do not have sufficient interest and commitment, we can sign up for two or even one crew. Each crew will sail on a separate boat.

Cost and Timing
The estimated cost per person will be approximately $1,500. The fees for this program are $5,650 per crew, or approximately $706 – $942 per person depending on crew size. Additional cost is airfare (to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale depending on cost), ground transportation (to/from Sea Base), any additional outings, trip insurance, spending money, etc.

If your son wishes to participate, you must provide a $100 deposit made out to Troop 24 by Thursday, March 12. This will provide us with sufficient time to get the necessary Council signatures and to insure the completed reservation form is received at Sea Base by 3/19. We also will need additional adult leaders so please consider attending.

Please contact Jim Ringbloom if you have any questions.